How it works

The Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence (ORF-RE) provides research institutions with funding to help support the operational costs of large-scale transformative research of strategic value to the province.

Who is eligible

Eligible institutions include:

universities

colleges

research hospitals

non-profit research institutions

Funding amount

ORF-RE provides up to 1/3 of the total value of a project with the remaining 2/3 from a combination of private sector and institutional contributions. Generally, the minimum support provided by the ORF-RE to a project is $1 million and the maximum support provided is $4 million.

How to apply

The application process involves 4 steps:

notify your research office that you plan to apply

your research office submits a Notice of Intent to apply (a document that lets the government know you plan to apply for an award)

prepare the documents for your application package according to program guidelines and application instructions

your research office submits the complete application package to the Ministry of Research and Innovation

Application deadlines

Notice of Intent due: February 12, 2014

Last date to mail complete application package: July 15, 2014

Selection process

The review panel scores applicants on:

research excellence

research impact

research translation

project management and governance

Unsuccessful applicants will get a copy of the review panel’s comments.

Minister of Research and Innovation

"Ontario is on the cutting edge of discoveries and creating the jobs of tomorrow because we support a climate that fosters scientific excellence, attracts world renowned researchers and ignites fruitful collaborations between government, academia and industry."